Fotografiska: Inspiring A More Conscious World Via Photography

Fotografiska opens in NYC hoping to inspire a more conscious world via the power of photography. Moreover, the internationally renowned Stockholm-based photography and cultural destination plans to take New York and the U.S. by storm with the perfect combo of awe-inspiring communicative imagery, architectural beauty and New York City history sprinkled with wining, dining and shopping. Fotografiska is the essence of what is Socially Sparked®

How do you describe this exciting new photographic arrival? Let us count the ways.  Fotografiska claims to be neither museum nor gallery. In the year 2020 we can describe them as an experiential entity or destination. They take pride in showcasing a diverse range of artists perspectives and photographic mediums.  Rising stars are displayed next to icons. Styles range across abstract, landscape, portrait, documentary and more. All that matters is the communicative power of the image.

Founded by brothers Jan and Per Broman, whose passion for photography stems from their childhood growing up in their father’s darkroom, they opened their flagship Fotografiska Stockholm in 2010.  The brothers wholeheartedly believe that through the power of photography — intertwined with their values of relevance, inclusion, sustainability, innovation, and inspiration — they can raise the conscious-level of humans towards a better world.

The long-awaited opening of New York outpost Fotografiska New York City opens December 14th. Tourists from all over the world converge in the Big Apple this time of year and are sure to step into the magical cultural space created by the Swedish import.

The new destination for photography and culture is housed in a historically landmarked building (1890s) – a Renaissance Revival–style former church mission house  that spans 45,000 square feet across six floors. There are three floors of galleries, a retail space and charming café, a performance/event space and a restaurant (Veronika) and bar (working title ‘V’). The restaurant’s name appropriately hails from Veronica, the patron saint of photography,

Three full floors of exhibitions featuring the images of Ellen von Unwerth (born in Germany 1954),  Tawny Chatmon (American, b. 1979), Israeli photographer Adi Nes; large-scale environmental photographer Helene Schmitz, and a documentary partnership with TIME featuring the work of photo-journalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind. The images expound on some of society’s most pressing issues including early childhood education, the environment, women, racism immigration, East – West conflict, war, child care, gender and equality.

Fotografiska New York and TIME commissioned Taylor-Lind to explore the complicated issue of child care, which spotlights some of society’s biggest problems as neglected rights of immigrant workers, the uneven division of labor between men and women, and the unequal access to quality child care.

This series marks the New York debut of Fotografiska For Life, a program that commissions work from the world’s foremost photographers and photojournalists to document critical global stories. Fotografiska For Life creates important forums to raise awareness, spark discussion, create change, and inspire a more conscious world.

The sixth floor is devoted to a performance/event space that is laced with powerful images capturing the power and passion of musicians and music. Opening night performance will feature AfroBeat music and is free to the public.

If ever there is a setting — that one thing that describes Socially Sparked — it’s Fotografiska! The cultural and photographic destination opens Saturday, Dec. 14th. It is located at 281 Park Avenue South (23rd St), and is open Monday thru Thursday from 9 AM – 10 PM. Friday thru Sunday the museum-esque space is open from 9 AM – 11 PM. Single day tickets are available as is a membership.

When individuals and organizations in the performing and visual arts use their talents for social good and social impact their far reach touches the hearts and souls of people across the globe. Using the power of photography for a more conscious world through the vessel that is known as Fotografiska  just might be the impactful push our world is need of. — Abbe is #SociallySparked  Tweet us @sosparkednews & @asparks